Switching to Linux - where do I start?

It is fairly easy to switch to Linux, however it's best to prepare first, just like with anything other task, when prepared - things go much smoother!

0) Choose Linux OS (Operating System) distro (distribution). With so many Linux distros available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Here are a few popular Debian distros with a brief summary of what they’re best suited for:

  • Linux Mint: is great for Windows current users, as it resembles Windows PC interface very closely and is very intuitive.
  • Linux Elementary (available on Linux Best OS Collection Set): looks similar to Apple mac and is very appealing.
  • Linux Tails: is best for anonymous secure internet browsing.
  • Linux for Kids: is best for kids and students.
  • Linux Kali: is best for more advanced users, future hackers and IT professionals.

1) Before anything - back up your data on the computer/device on which you will be testing/installing Linux!

2) Try Linux LIVE. You can boot with the Linux Operating System USB and check it out to see how it feels and works (NOTE: it will be a bit slow since it will be running LIVE from the USB). For a much better experience, it's best to install your Linux alongside Windows, so you can always boot into Windows as needed. 

3) Create a list of apps/software you are currently using to see if the app has a Linux version or if there is an alternative similar app available. Here is a nice Windows to Linux switch table you can use as a template:

 App Name

(Windows / macOS)

Linux Compatible /

Alternative app

App Description
7Zip Yes
ZIP file archiver.
Adobe Photoshop

No / GIMP

Image editor, can do everything Photoshop can do and even more!

For casual image editing: www.photopea.com

AnyDesk
Yes
Remote control software.
Apple iPhone: transferring data to computer
No / libimobiledevice
Copying files / images / videos from iPhone directly to computer hard drive. 
Avira Antivirus Yes / ClamAV
Antivirus / Anti-spyware.
Blackblaze No / RClone Automated cloud backup.
Chrome, Firefox, Opera
Yes, Yes, Yes
Most popular web browsers for browsing the internet.
Climpchamp No / KDEnlive Video editing software.
DOSBox Yes
MSDOS emulator for classic software and games.
Free Cam
No / OBS Studio
Video capture, recording and live streaming broadcasting software.
MS Office
No / LibreOffice
Create / print documents, spreadsheets, presentations, databases, etc.
MS Outlook Mozilla Thunderbird Email client app for sending / receiving / organizing emails, calendar, etc.
NordVPN
Yes
VPN connection service / app.
Notepad (Windows)
No / Text Editor
Integrated text editing app.
Notepad++ No / Kate
Professional text editor for web development, coding and simply advanced text editing.
Printing - LabelRange LP320
Yes Thermal printer for printing shipping labels. 
Printing and Scanning - HP Laser Printer with WiFi
Yes | hplip-gui setup for USB/WiFi config via Terminal
The majority of HP printers / scanners will work with Linux. WiFi featured printers / scanners will usually add automatically during Linux installation.
PyCharm Yes
Popular and very powerful integrated development environment for programming in Python.
Raspbery Pi Imager Yes
Raspberry Pi Imager is the quick and easy way to install Raspberry Pi OS and other operating systems to a microSD card, ready to use with your Raspberry Pi.
Snag-It No / Shutter or ksnip
Screenshot app with many advanced features.
Steam
Yes, with Proton
Video gaming.
Telegram
Yes
Very popular and secure messenger.
Total Commander No / Double Commander
File manager with 2 panels side by side.
VirtualBox Yes
Virtualization software. Run Microsoft Windows, macOS or another Linux distribution within your current Linux OS for any possible need.
WinDirStat No / QDirStat
A graphical app that visually displays what’s taking up the most space on your hard drive - perfect for freeing up space efficiently.
Windows Explorer / Finder
xfe (X File Explorer)
An intuitive file explorer, perfect for everyday file browsing and management on your disk.
WinRAR Yes
Legendary super secure file archiver.
WinSCP No / Krusader
Advanced twin panel (commander style) file manager with great features for (S)FTP file transfer and many other powerful features.